The next generation of cancer researchers

AACR Annual Meeting engages high school scientists

PHILADELPHIA -- It is never too early to start thinking about what you want to be when you grow up, especially if you want to be a cancer researcher. The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is capturing the interest of aspiring young scientists during a special program for high school students at the Annual Meeting 2007, April 14-18, in Los Angeles, Calif.

Nearly 300 high school students from the Los Angeles area will participate in "The Conquest of Cancer and the Next Generation," a day-long program filled with inspiring educational lectures, a tour of poster displays and exhibits, and a networking reception.

"The field of cancer research in the U.S. is at risk of losing bright young minds because of decreasing research funds, resulting in heightened competition and relocation of young researchers to other countries," said AACR Chief Executive Officer Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.). "AACR is hoping to reduce that risk and re-gain our competitive edge by nurturing young high school students who show promise for the future of cancer research."

The program begins with a series of educational sessions including: "Understanding Cancer," "Keys to Cancer Prevention" and "Why Cancer Research Needs You," led by some of the nation’s top cancer researchers. Students will also hear from a cancer survivor and advocate on the importance of cancer research.

Each student will then be matched with a mentor from the AACR membership who will guide students through the poster presentation area to explain scientific displays describing the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer, and navigate the exhibit hall to learn about the latest products and services for laboratory and clinical research.

A networking reception concludes the program where students will participate in an "Ask the Experts" session and meet one-on-one with leading scientists to answer questions about various areas of cancer research. Students will also have the opportunity to present their own posters and tabletop exhibitions of school projects and learn about job opportunities and summer internships. Program participants are encouraged to stay in touch with their mentors for continued guidance, encouragement and career advice.

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AACR’s special program for high school students is held each year at the Annual Meeting, traveling to various cities across the country and reaching out to a wide variety of promising, young students. For more information on this unique program, visit www.aacr.org.

The mission of the American Association for Cancer Research is to prevent and cure cancer. Founded in 1907, AACR is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research. The membership includes more than 24,000 basic, translational, and clinical researchers; health care professionals; and cancer survivors and advocates in the United States and more than 70 other countries. AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise from the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer through high-quality scientific and educational programs. It funds innovative, meritorious research grants. The AACR Annual Meeting attracts more than 17,000 participants who share the latest discoveries and developments in the field. Special Conferences throughout the year present novel data across a wide variety of topics in cancer research, treatment, and patient care. AACR publishes five major peer-reviewed journals: Cancer Research; Clinical Cancer Research; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; Molecular Cancer Research; and Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Its most recent publication, CR, is a magazine for cancer survivors, patient advocates, their families, physicians, and scientists. It provides a forum for sharing essential, evidence-based information and perspectives on progress in cancer research, survivorship, and advocacy.